European standard EN 71 specifies safety requirements for toys. Compliance with the standard is legally required for all toys sold in the European Union.

EN 71 Part 1: Mechanical & Physical Properties of Toys The purpose of this standard is to reduce risks associated with children’s toys. Specific tests are performed on toys based upon the type of toy it is and/or characteristics of the toy. Additionally, appropriate warning labels are addressed in this standard.

EN 71 Part 2: Flammability of Toys This portion determines the flammability of toys. It provides general requirements along with specific requirements for particular toys, which appear to be the most hazardous, this includes: toys to be worn on head (beards, moustaches, wigs, etc.), toy disguise costumes & intended to be worn by children in play, toys intended to be entered by a child, and soft filled toys.

EN 71 Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements This part involves determining the migration of the following elements: Antimony, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, and Selenium from accessible parts of toys. This applies to the following toy materials: coatings/ paints/ varnishes/ lacquers/ printing inks/ similar material, polymeric and similar materials, paper and paper board, textiles, glass/ceramic/metallic materials, other materials whether mass colored or not, materials intended to leave a trace,(i.e.pencils or liquid pens) and pliable modeling materials.